CitizenshipExam is an independent practice service. For current government requirements, always use the Department of Home Affairs. Practice questions on this website are original preparation questions, not actual exam questions.
Start with the big picture
Do not memorise isolated government terms. Build a system: citizens vote; representatives sit in parliaments; laws are made through the parliamentary process; executive government administers laws; courts interpret and apply the law.
When you understand the relationships, individual questions become easier.
Voting and having a say
Australian citizens participate in democracy through voting in elections and referendums. Our Common Bond also explains the role of the Australian Electoral Commission and the secret ballot.
Pay attention to the difference between elections and referendums and why voting is an important responsibility.
The Constitution and Parliament
The Constitution establishes the framework for the Australian system of government. Study the federal Parliament, the roles within it, and the concept of representative and responsible government.
Understand what a referendum is and why constitutional change requires a specific national voting process.
Levels of government
Learn the broad responsibilities of federal, state or territory, and local government. Questions can become confusing when you know the service but not which level is mainly responsible for it.
Build a simple table during revision and test yourself by placing common services under the correct level.
Law and the courts
Study the Rule of Law, the independence of courts and the principle that everyone is subject to the law. Keep this connected to the Australian Values material because the ideas overlap.
Official resource
The Home Affairs preparation page identifies government and the law as a testable area, and Our Common Bond provides the official study material.
Put the guide into practice
Take a 20-question, 45-minute simulation and track the 15/20 overall requirement and 5/5 Australian Values requirement separately.
Start Free Test →Frequently asked questions
Is government and law a testable citizenship topic?
Yes. Home Affairs lists government and the law in Australia as one of the areas on which test questions are based.
Should I memorise every government service?
Focus on the responsibilities and structure described in Our Common Bond, then use practice questions to test recall.
Does Rule of Law belong only to government questions?
It appears across government, law and Australian Values concepts, so understand the principle rather than treating it as an isolated fact.
Where should I study this topic?
Use the government and law section of Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond.